Find a horse riding instructor in Palo Alto, CA

Find horse riding lessons in Palo Alto, CA

Find horse riding lessons in Palo Alto, CA

Confirm your location to see the best horseback riding instructors near you.
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Find horse riding lessons in Palo Alto, CA

Confirm your location to see the best horseback riding instructors near you.
Zip code

Top 10 horseback riding instructors in Palo Alto, CA

Students agree: these Palo Alto horse riding lessons are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Becky Hart Horse Pro

Becky Hart Horse Pro

5.0Exceptional(7)
Serves Palo Alto, CA
Lori says, "Becky gave me a solid foundation in horsemanship. Becky works with beginner and advanced riders. As an older, beginner rider, I wanted someone with experience and a world of knowledge. Becky gave me this and so much more! Becky is an excellent teacher and instructor! I highly recommend Becky! " Read more
ABequestrian

ABequestrian

6+ years in business
Serves Palo Alto, CA
Welcome, I’m a German dressage, jumping and eventing trainer with over 10years of experience teaching and training horses professionally. I’m grown up with horses and earned my degree in riding when I was 19years old. I worked and competed in jumping, dressage and eventing through out my years riding. My philosophy is to help rider and horse to understand each other and help them archive there goals together and in harmony.
VDB Stables - Hunter/Jumped Horse Riding Lessons

VDB Stables - Hunter/Jumped Horse Riding Lessons

1 hire on Lessons.com
9+ years in business
Serves Palo Alto, CA
Provide English horse riding lessons specializing in Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation from beginner level to the serious competitor. We attend all major shows on the West Coast. Will travel to private facilities if requested. We encourage all levels of riders to join our team in hopes of being the best horsewoman/man we can be. We enjoy teaching our students to learn all they want to learn about horsemanship as well as skills in the tack. We encourage curiosity, determination, and a positive attitude because we believe learning should also be fun!...
Shoestring Farm

Shoestring Farm

35+ years in business
Serves Palo Alto, CA
Shoestring Farm provides a low key stable environment for the young and adult rider learning to tack up horses, ride equitation and jumping and general horse maintenance. Those who want to learn are welcome to work with my small group of horse individuals. Those who wish to compete we can work with well too.
Oasis Farm

Oasis Farm

Serves Palo Alto, CA
Colin Daly Design, located in San Francisco and the surrounding areas, is an expert in space planning, room layout, and custom home furnishings design. With a rich background in interior architecture and design, Colin Daly, a San Francisco native, takes inspiration from art deco, textile, and industrial design to create functional spaces with a modern twist. His designs are characterized by their use of material finishes that create appealing textural changes, resonating with both the eye and touch.
Ciara West Equestrian

Ciara West Equestrian

10+ years in business
Serves Palo Alto, CA
Ciara West Equestrian, founded in 2015, is a full-service boarding and training facility nestled in the natural beauty of Woodside, California and its surrounding areas. Just 30 minutes from San Francisco, CWE provides a variety of boarding options, a large covered arena for jumping and flatwork, an outdoor dressage court, and property trails. They take pride in offering high-quality feed and facilities, but do not offer horseback riding excursions to the general public.
Woodside Vaulters

Woodside Vaulters

35+ years in business
Serves Palo Alto, CA
Woodside Vaulters, founded in 1990 and based in Woodside, California, is one of the largest and most successful equestrian vaulting clubs in the US. The club offers equestrian vaulting, often described as gymnastics and dance on horseback, for ages four to adult. They provide recreational and competitive classes, emphasizing on horsemanship, team-building, and safety. Woodside Vaulters has represented the US at the World Equestrian Games since 1998 and won national and international championships.
Chaparral At Woodside

Chaparral At Woodside

16+ years in business
Serves Palo Alto, CA
We offer pony rides, English & Western lessons, guided trail rides, beach rides, specialty rides, as well as boarding at Folger Stable. We also have facilities for lessons in Milpitas and San Jose. Our instructors are all experienced horsemen with a passion for spreading their love of horses. Find out more about our business and instructors on our website www.chaparralatwunderlich.com.
Round Meadow Farm

Round Meadow Farm

Serves Palo Alto, CA
Round Meadow Farm, located in both Atherton and Menlo Park, California, is a full-service Hunter-Jumper training stable. They are based at the prestigious Menlo Circus Club in Atherton and take pride in serving the surrounding areas as well. With a team of dedicated professionals, they strive to offer top-notch equestrian services to meet the varying needs of their clients.
Spring Down Equestrian Center

Spring Down Equestrian Center

41+ years in business
Serves Palo Alto, CA
Spring Down Equestrian Center, founded in 1984, is a trusted name in the equestrian community of Portola Valley, California, and its surrounding areas. The center specializes in providing top-notch stables and riding academies. Not just that, it is known for its superior horse stable services. Choose Spring Down Equestrian Center for an unparalleled equestrian experience.

Your Horseback Riding Lessons questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.com.

How much are horseback riding lessons?

Horse riding lessons cost $45 to $80 per hour, depending on where you live and the type of riding you want to learn. Most riding lessons begin in the ring, where the trainer can safely monitor the beginning rider as they get comfortable in the saddle.

Many trainers offer introductory packages at a discounted price and start beginning riders out in group lessons. As you master the riding basics, then a teacher may recommend private lessons to focus on specific skills or more advanced riding training.

What age to start horseback riding lessons?

There is no particular age that is best for starting horseback riding lessons, instead, it depends on the child's maturity, physical coordination, and interest in horses. Most experts agree that children should be at least 6 years old before taking formal riding lessons.

For young children, the parents should visit a stable to introduce the child to horses and horse care before signing up for lessons. Choose a stable with well trained, gentle horses and experience with young riders.

Do you tip for horseback riding lessons?

Tipping for horseback riding lessons is not customary, but always appreciated. A thank you note is a great way to acknowledge a good teacher and show your appreciation. If you want to tip, 10% to 20% tip is more than generous.

What equipment do I need to begin horse lessons?

Most horse stables have horses and tack for use during riding lessons, so purchasing that is not necessary at the start. Your instructor will let you know their specific recommendations, but the basic equipment you will need to begin horseback riding lessons includes:

  • Helmet
  • Riding pants
  • Boots with heels
  • Gloves

Do I have to own a horse to be able to take lessons?

No, you do not have to own a horse to take riding lessons. Many riding schools and barns have well-trained horses for beginners through experienced riders. Taking riding lessons before owning a horse is a great way to make sure you enjoy riding before committing to horse ownership.

Learning basic equine care before buying a horse is also advised. Riding trainers often include an element of horse care as part of their lessons. Tasks like mucking stalls, cleaning tack, and basic horse grooming are incorporated into lessons and are beneficial to learn before becoming a horse owner.

How often should I have lessons? How many lessons do I need?

The frequency and number of riding lessons depend on your level of experience, riding goals, and budget. Generally, it is recommended that beginners take lessons at least once a week to build foundational riding skills.

Basic riding skills take anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months to learn but the more you ride, the faster you will improve. Riders who take one lesson a week will likely spend their first year focusing on riding basics. Riders who practice more often or schedule additional private lessons will advance faster.

How do I choose a horseback riding instructor?

When looking for horseback riding lessons, be sure to:

  • Start by researching different riding styles and disciplines to help you narrow down instructors that teach the type of riding you want to learn.
  • Visit the stables to ensure you are comfortable with how the horses are treated and the arena is maintained.
  • Ask about group or private lessons and decide which is better for your budget and riding goals.
  • Ask about taking an introductory lesson to try out their teaching style and gauge your interest in the sport.

What questions should I ask a riding instructor?

Once you've narrowed down a list of potential riding instructors, ask them the following questions:

  • What is your teaching style?
  • What are your qualifications?
  • What are your rates?
  • What type of horses do you have?
  • What is your availability?
  • What is your cancellation policy?

Reviews for Palo Alto horseback riding instructors

Recent success stories from people in the Palo Alto area.
Linda M.
Becky does not just teach one to be a rider. She is a walking encyclopedia of equestrian knowledge that she selflessly shares with her students at every opportunity. Lessons with Becky are the whole package. If one has the desire to learn they will not only become a better rider but your your horse will love you for the knowledge you gain in all aspects of horsemanship. The foundation I received from Becky will always be with me. I will be forever grateful to have had the opportunity to have been her student.
Becky Hart Horse Pro
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